Phytochemicals and Enzyme Inhibitory Capacities of the Methanolic Extracts from the Italian Apple Cultivar Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini.

Víctor López,Giovanni Caprioli,Serena Mevi,Joice Guileine Nkuimi Wandjou,Francisco Les,Filippo Maggi,Guillermo Cásedas

doi:10.3390/ph13060127

Abstract

The phytochemical profile of the methanolic extracts (pulp and peel) obtained from two dehydration methods (drying and freeze-lyophilization) of the traditional Italian apple Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini, as well as their inhibitory properties against some biological enzymes (α-glucosidase, lipase, monoamine oxidase A, tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase) were assessed in this study. HPLC-DAD-MS technique was used for the determination of polyphenolic and triterpenic compounds. The determination of the enzymes inhibitory effect was made through spectrophotometric techniques. The peel extracts were richer in bioactive compounds than the pulp. In this regard, the extracts from freeze-lyophilization displayed higher levels of flavan-3-ols, flavonol glycosides and dihydrochalcones. However, the extracts obtained from dried material displayed a stronger enzyme inhibition. Notably, the peel extracts showed a higher activity than the pulp ones, especially in terms of α-glucosidase whereby some samples exerted a similar enzymatic inhibition than acarbose (100% inhibition) at high concentrations (1 mg/mL). These results encourage thus further studies on this traditional Italian apple as a potential source of nutraceuticals helpful to prevent the insurgence of some pathologies.

Highlights

The high consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated to a good health state
The HPLC-DAD-MS analysis of polyphenolic and triterpenic compounds was carried out on the extracts obtained through two different dehydration methods, i.e., drying at 45 ± 5 ◦C and freeze-lyophilization
The peel extracts showed the highest content in polyphenols than the pulp ones because of the accumulation of these compounds in the peel according to the ecological role of this part such as protection against ultraviolet radiations, attraction for fruit dispersion and defense against pathogens [20,21]

Summary

Introduction

The high consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated to a good health state. Apple fruit (Malus domenica Borkh) have shown to be one of the most important dietary sources of polyphenols, whose consumption has been associated with human wellness [2]. It has been reported that traditional and overlooked apples were proved to be higher sources of phytonutrients than the commercial ones [3]. Despite their particularity (shape, taste, nutritional values), these old apples are on the verge of extinction because of globalization. The characterization of old apple cultivars is important to enhance their value and increase their production [4,5]

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